Luxury Awaits You in the Hotels of Dubai

The city has an estimated population of 1.35 million and has developed a reputation for sophisticated contemporary living. It is easy to understand why Dubai has become a popular destination for tourists when you consider the combination of age-old traditions with the best the modern world can offer; the excellent facilities and the timeless beauty of the desert scenery combined with traditional Arabian hospitality.

The city is divided into two parts, divided naturally by the Dubai Creek, with Dubai proper lying on the western side. The creek forms the focal point of the city, both visually and commercially. It offers a reminder that this is a city that has been built on trade. The basis of Dubai's economy is petroleum; the traditional camel breeding, fishing and pearl diving becoming less important. In more recent times, tourism has become an important commercial enterprise, as the reserves of petroleum start to decline. Dubai has earned a reputation for having some of the world's best shopping, both in the traditional souks and in the modern, air-conditioned malls. The shopping malls sell a great variety of goods from electronics to the latest fashion to some of the world's purest gold.

Dubai society retains close ties with its Islamic heritage. The local people wear traditional dress and head dresses, hospitality and courtesy are highly prized and traditional culture and folk lore are celebrated in dancing, music and poetry. However, there is also a high degree of tolerance amongst its citizens. It has a liberal attitude towards foreigners, who are free to drink alcohol (only served in hotels), practice their own religion and dress in western style clothing, provided some degree of discretion is shown.

Because of its position as a popular international tourist spot, Dubai has a wide range of accommodation choices that will suit every visitor. The city has become renowned for the range of luxury hotels that can be found, but there is also a wide choice of cheaper hotels for those on a tighter budget. When considering the luxury end of the hotel options, the major decision is how luxurious do you want it? You will find most of the recognized international hotel chains represented, such as le Meridien, Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Marriott, InterContinental, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton and Ramada, but that is not the full extent of deluxe accommodation options. There are independent hotels and resorts also, including the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marine, Jebel Ali Hotel and Golf Resort, Oasis Beach, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Emirates Tower, City Centre Hotel and Residence and Al Maha which offer accommodation that is also luxurious. There are numerous affordable and budget options as well. Even these hotels are not cheap; you will need to spend around $200 or more, but meal prices are quite reasonable within the hotels. A three course dinner, with drinks, should average $50-$60, and there are several highly acclaimed hotel restaurants.

Dubai's hotels are designed with the needs of people on holiday and business visitors alike. High standards are what you can expect, in all areas of the hotel business. Recreational and leisure facilities are of the highest standard, as are the business and communication facilities. They are equal to anything you would find anywhere in the world.

The local residents of Dubai also make use of the hotels for their social life and special occasions, and they have come to expect the very best. This has lead to an amazing range of restaurants, bars and eateries, some of which are very unique. Some feature live bands and artists from the west and east for the entertainment of visitors and locals alike.

One hotel that really stands out and is fast becoming one of the most instantly recognized is the Burj Al Arab. The sailboat-shaped Burj, which is Arabic for tower, was completed in 1999, and was one of the first indications that Dubai intended to stand out from the rest of the world as a tourist destination. It reaches a height of 1,053 feet and is built on a man-made island, 900 feet from the shore. This hotel is the ultimate in opulence and luxurious facilities - an underwater restaurant, a helicopter landing pad and service, a fleet of Rolls Royce limousines that operate as a shuttle service for guests. A room will cost you around $1,000, but if you really want to lash out, you can book into one of the 200 double story units and pay over $2,000 a night. The international rating system for hotels has a maximum of five stars, but the Burj Al Arab has rated itself and awarded the hotel seven stars. The luxury experience starts as soon as you step into the lobby - it is absolutely stunning. It is a vibrant area where every surface seems to reflect and shine. The only way you can get to see it, unless you are staying there, is to have reservations for the restaurant. They have abolished the practice they had in the past, when you could make an appointment and pay $100 just to go in. You may like to treat yourself to afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab - it will cost you a cool $70.

One of the most popular hotels in Dubai is the Mina A' Salam which is part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort. It is set on a one kilometer private beach, and contains more than 40 restaurants, bars and cafes. It offers 292 guest rooms which are all enhanced by the rich Arabian d cor. The rooms have a separate sitting area and floor to ceiling windows which allow magnificent views across the Arabian Gulf. The resort offers extensive recreational activities for the guests to enjoy.

Dubai offers visitors a fascinating contrast of experiences. It is a distinctive blending of a modern, vibrant city with an ancient culture; an exotic destination with the convenience and comfort of the western lifestyle beautifully linked with the hospitality and unique experience of Arabia.

Dubai is the most international of all the Arab Emirates and has become known as the shopping capital of the Middle East. Steeped in past history that goes back into antiquity and a present life that is vibrant with trade, tradition, celebration and sporting events, Dubai has become the ultimate destination for tourists and business people alike.

Discover the best hotels, beaches, attractions, shopping venues, and activities for your stay in Dubai.